P-325 Issues With Initial Medical Certificates for Occupational Accidents

Introduction The responsibility of physicians in documenting occupational accidents (OAs) is crucial for the compensation of victims. The Initial Medical Certificate (IMC) serves as a primary document for this purpose. This study assesses the compliance of collected IMCs with best practice recommendations. Methods A descriptive retrospective study encompassed all IMCs issued post-OAs, sourced from medical expertise records, evaluating both form and content adherence. Results Among 107 collected certificates, most victims were middle-aged men (average age: 38.85 years). The construction and public works sector (24.3%) and services (15.9%) were the most represented. Slipping (20.6%) and carrying heavy objects (17.8%) were the leading mechanisms of OAs, with the lumbar spine (38.3%) being the predominant injury site. Notably, 42% of certificates were unreadable, and only 12.4% included the patient’s identity card number. While the accident date was present in 97.2% of cases, clinical examination details and accident circumstances were largely absent. Discussion Addressing deficiencies in IMC documentation necessitates collaboration between healthcare providers and legal authorities to establish standardized reporting protocols for OAs. Furthermore, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of IMCs requires ongoing medical training programs in medicolegal practices. These efforts are crucial to ensure equitable compensation processes for OA victims and promote workplace safety. Conclusion The study unveiled deficiencies in IMC quality, possibly stemming from a lack of medicolegal training among physicians. Reinforcing best practice guidelines and enhancing collaboration between healthcare and legal entities are essential steps to improve IMC documentation, ultimately benefiting OA victims and the legal system.